Bernie Mac dies of pneumonia (1957 – 2008)

Comedian Bernie Mac passed away Saturday morning from pneumonia. Earlier last week, it was reported he would make a full recovery despite have been previously diagnosed with sarcoidosis a disease that affects the immune system. Sadly, Bernie didn’t pull through. People reports:

“[He] passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital,” his rep, Danica Smith, told PEOPLE. “No other details are available at this time. We ask that his family’s privacy continues to be respected.”

It was later revealed Bernie’s hospitalization was more serious than it was reported. He was put into intensive care a full week before the media was aware of his health problems which were played down to protect his family’s privacy, according to People:

The sister-in-law says Mac’s inflammatory lung disease contributed to his death. “He had sarcoidosis, but it was in remission,” she says. “But because he had it, his immune system was compromised. He had an infection … He was on a new medication that suppresses the immune system, and that’s where the pneumonia came from.”
She reveals that Mac – having trouble breathing and running a fever – was actually hospitalized on July 24, eight days before the date given for his admittance. The actor was diagnosed with pneumonia and immediately placed on a ventilator.

Bernie Mac is survived by his wife Rhonda of 30 years and their daughter Je’Niece who were at his bedside when he passed. ‘Merica, we lost a good one. Rest in Peace, Bernie.